Whiteoak could make history in Champion Hurdle

The chance to making racing history persuaded owner Brendan Richardson to challenge for Tuesday's Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle with Whiteoak.

The Donald McCain-trained mare will pass up the chance of winning the David Nicholson Mares Hurdle for a second year and try to become just the third of her gender after Dawn Run and Flakey Dove to be crowned Champion Hurdler.

Whiteoak is 25-1 for the Champion and would have been challenging for favoritism in the Mares Hurdle but Richardson said: 'There are not many mares capable of competing with geldings at the top level.

Donald McCain

'There has only been Dawn Run and Flakey Dove and I thought what a thrill it would be if she could make a bit of history. You live the dream.

'The kudos could be good for Donald and for the horse and her breeding value. Horseracing is a sport made of dreams.'

Shropshire-based Richardson added: 'If she can bring her A game to the race, I think she'll give them a run. I'm not saying she is capable of winning but definitely getting in the top four or five. If she does that, I'll be elated.'

Injury delayed Whiteoak's return and she has only run once this season when fourth to Ashkazar in last month's Elite Hurdle at Wincanton.

McCain said: 'She showed in the Kingwell that she can travel at speed and jump at speed with some of the best two-milers around. She was always going to come on a bundle for that race as it was a rushed job getting her there.'

Whiteoak's absence from the Mares Hurdle prompted a further cut in the price of the Willie Mullins-trained contender Quevega.

Tidal Bay is among the 13 horses declared to possibly take on Master Minded in Wednesday's Champion Chase.